Silk is an unlikely textile fiber, pulled in a long, unbroken strand from the cocoon of an unremarkable moth. The moth's caterpillar — known as a silkworm — spins the cocoon for protection during metamorphosis from larva to adult. With a lot of help from humans, the fiber goes through a metamorphosis of its own and is transformed into fabrics of exceptional beauty and luster. This book explains how it is done, with clear, uncomplicated language and more than 300 color photos and illustrations.

This 240-page book is an enhanced e-book with interactive content. It can be viewed on an Apple iPad, iPhone or Mac computer. Download the first chapter for free or buy the book for $15.99 from the Apple iBooks Store.